The villages on the way to Mole NP. Beautiful communities.
My host family threw a going away party on my last night. I bought them a rice cooker as a going away present. These are my sisters and host mother. My host dad was not there that night.
Friday, December 14, 2007
More pictures
the CAN2008 (Cup of African Nations) is held in Ghana this year, in light of Ghana celebrating 50 years of independence. This was a prelim game between Ghana and Togo, Ghana won 2-0.
The villages on the way to Mole NP. Beautiful communities. My host family threw a going away party on my last night. I bought them a rice cooker as a going away present. These are my sisters and host mother. My host dad was not there that night.
The villages on the way to Mole NP. Beautiful communities.
My host family threw a going away party on my last night. I bought them a rice cooker as a going away present. These are my sisters and host mother. My host dad was not there that night.
Pictures...FINALLY
I apologize for being computer-illiterate. For the longest time, I couldn't figure out how to post pictures. Here's a sampler of what I've seen so far. The waterfalls were from a trip to Hohoe in the Volta Region (Eastern Ghana). The elephants were from Mole NP in Northern Ghana. I'll post more ASAP.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Always, ALWAYS carry your camera!
It seems that I am too stupid to realize that I should always carry my camera with me. There is always something worth snapping. For example, on Monday, I was randomly picked up by a friend on a school bus who told me it was "disability awareness day" and they were going to march through Kejetia with all the disabled children from Edwenase and other schools. We had a marching band and everything. I, of course, being the only obruni was asked to lead the parade, holding the banner tall and proud. It was SO much fun, and I think we got the message across: Disabled people are a part of Ghana, and are capable individuals.
Today, at work, a goat got loose and the children were chasing it around the classrooms. It was VERY funny. Once again, a camera would have been handy.
Cameras are also handy for the many funny sayings on the back of tro-tro's. For example, one had a picture of Jesus Christ, with the words "Someone you should know" written above it. Another trotro said "not all your friends are good", and yet another said "my lord and saviour, Jesus JHIST"
That's enough about cameras.
last week I went to cape coast. The coast of Ghana is lined with castles/forts, dating back from slavery. Two very important castles are Elmina and Cape Coast . Cape Coast castle was primarily used by the British as a place to house slaves before transport to South America, The Caribbean, and North America. The castle started as a place for tradings. This was called the triangular trade route because the route formed a triangle: Britain to Gold Coast (Ghana) then America. Ghana was called the gold coast as it was rich in gold. Cote d'Ivoire was rich in Ivory, and Benin was called the slave coast. Ghana received it's present name on March 6th, 1957- Indepenence day (that's right kids, Ghana is celebrating 50 years of freedom- a VERY special time here!!). Gold and cowrie shells were used as currency. The cedi, Ghana's currency, stems from seedee which is the twi word for cowrie shell.
I saw the slave rooms, the door of no return (where slaves boarded ships to the West, never to return), and the room of no return, where slaves were sent to die. You could still see fingernail scratches on the ground.
Elmina castle was used by the Portuguese for slave trading. It is also where Prempeh I, the Ashanti chief at the time of slavery, was captured and held for not cooperating with the British. He was later sent to the Seyshell Islands along with the Queen Mother.
It's amazing that after such a sad history of violence, Ghanaians can be so welcoming to obruni's. It seems as if they are not angry or sad, just proud of who they are, what they've become and their country as a whole. The past is still fresh, yet the atmosphere is one of acceptance of history and a look to the future. A future of peace, prosperity, friendship, and pride.
This made me think:
How long does it take to overcome the wrongs that have been done to us? How long before the heartache ends? We are human. Destined to remember our flaws and misdeeds and bathe in guilt. We have the capacity to love one another and take pride in our individuality. Our sense of community is strengthened by those who dare to weaken or destroy us. We are an enigmatic species, whose quest in life should begin and end with trying to understand ourselves.
Today, at work, a goat got loose and the children were chasing it around the classrooms. It was VERY funny. Once again, a camera would have been handy.
Cameras are also handy for the many funny sayings on the back of tro-tro's. For example, one had a picture of Jesus Christ, with the words "Someone you should know" written above it. Another trotro said "not all your friends are good", and yet another said "my lord and saviour, Jesus JHIST"
That's enough about cameras.
last week I went to cape coast. The coast of Ghana is lined with castles/forts, dating back from slavery. Two very important castles are Elmina and Cape Coast . Cape Coast castle was primarily used by the British as a place to house slaves before transport to South America, The Caribbean, and North America. The castle started as a place for tradings. This was called the triangular trade route because the route formed a triangle: Britain to Gold Coast (Ghana) then America. Ghana was called the gold coast as it was rich in gold. Cote d'Ivoire was rich in Ivory, and Benin was called the slave coast. Ghana received it's present name on March 6th, 1957- Indepenence day (that's right kids, Ghana is celebrating 50 years of freedom- a VERY special time here!!). Gold and cowrie shells were used as currency. The cedi, Ghana's currency, stems from seedee which is the twi word for cowrie shell.
I saw the slave rooms, the door of no return (where slaves boarded ships to the West, never to return), and the room of no return, where slaves were sent to die. You could still see fingernail scratches on the ground.
Elmina castle was used by the Portuguese for slave trading. It is also where Prempeh I, the Ashanti chief at the time of slavery, was captured and held for not cooperating with the British. He was later sent to the Seyshell Islands along with the Queen Mother.
It's amazing that after such a sad history of violence, Ghanaians can be so welcoming to obruni's. It seems as if they are not angry or sad, just proud of who they are, what they've become and their country as a whole. The past is still fresh, yet the atmosphere is one of acceptance of history and a look to the future. A future of peace, prosperity, friendship, and pride.
This made me think:
How long does it take to overcome the wrongs that have been done to us? How long before the heartache ends? We are human. Destined to remember our flaws and misdeeds and bathe in guilt. We have the capacity to love one another and take pride in our individuality. Our sense of community is strengthened by those who dare to weaken or destroy us. We are an enigmatic species, whose quest in life should begin and end with trying to understand ourselves.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Kumasi
Well, I've been in Kumasi for a month now, but since my internet access has been limited, this post is an excerpt from my diary, written 3 days after arriving in Kumasi:
My host family is fantastic, my father Mr. Appiah, took me to my work place on my first day, only to be told that the director wasn't there, and that they'd call me later that week. My poor father was stuck with me for the whole day! He took me to his work, where I sat in on a meeting (I use the term meeting very loosely- they brought out 3 chairs, a desk, and set it under a tree...Instant boardroom!) The people treated me very well, and I could tell it was because they had tremendous respect for Mr. Appiah. We grabbed lunch at a chop shop, fried rice and salad for 1 ghana cedi. This was the BEST rice I've ever tasted. The woman making the food, asked questions about me to Mr. Appiah. She then took a ring off her finger and put it on mine. She sould also not let me pay for the food, and said it was her treat.
The next day, I went to an orphanage. Based on Mother Theresa's principles, this center houses orphaned babies and infants, as well as disabled children and adults. I spent the morning in the little room, where I met two 6month olds, 5 one-year olds, 1 child with encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and one toddler who was deaf and possibly mentally delayed. The latter two sat in wheel chairs the whole morning and the 2 nuns adjusted their heads when they could. My friend told me that they spank the deaf child frequently and when they say "don't worry, she can't feel it". The thing is, it's very obvious that htey love these children, they just don't have the patience or training required to deal with special needs. For somereason, none of these children wanted to walk. They would cry when they were forced to stand. I have no explanation why.
The center is very hard to deal with. The plight of these children is disturbing, and yet, they are so wonderful, I never want to leave. I kept thinking, where is their future? what will/can they become? I don't mean this to sound pessimistic. This is reality. Their reality. I felt so helpless. Knowing that many of these children's parents have died from AIDS and that they may have it as well.
I also went to a deaf school to meet some other volunteers. We sat in a computer lab, but I soon got bored so I waandered out by myself. 2 children were waiting just outside the doors. They started signing to me and I had no idea what they were saying. I remembered enough sign language, however, to tell them that my name was Niv and that I was from Canada. We met with the director and he told us that htey had 45 teachers and over 480 students, with 100 kids on the waiting list...and this was one of the better equipped schools.
These 2 days have made me realize how lucky we are to have what we have in the West. Even the poorest person in Toronto is luckier that most of the adults and children I've met in the past two days, for we in the West have opportunity. We are so lucky.
My host family is fantastic, my father Mr. Appiah, took me to my work place on my first day, only to be told that the director wasn't there, and that they'd call me later that week. My poor father was stuck with me for the whole day! He took me to his work, where I sat in on a meeting (I use the term meeting very loosely- they brought out 3 chairs, a desk, and set it under a tree...Instant boardroom!) The people treated me very well, and I could tell it was because they had tremendous respect for Mr. Appiah. We grabbed lunch at a chop shop, fried rice and salad for 1 ghana cedi. This was the BEST rice I've ever tasted. The woman making the food, asked questions about me to Mr. Appiah. She then took a ring off her finger and put it on mine. She sould also not let me pay for the food, and said it was her treat.
The next day, I went to an orphanage. Based on Mother Theresa's principles, this center houses orphaned babies and infants, as well as disabled children and adults. I spent the morning in the little room, where I met two 6month olds, 5 one-year olds, 1 child with encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and one toddler who was deaf and possibly mentally delayed. The latter two sat in wheel chairs the whole morning and the 2 nuns adjusted their heads when they could. My friend told me that they spank the deaf child frequently and when they say "don't worry, she can't feel it". The thing is, it's very obvious that htey love these children, they just don't have the patience or training required to deal with special needs. For somereason, none of these children wanted to walk. They would cry when they were forced to stand. I have no explanation why.
The center is very hard to deal with. The plight of these children is disturbing, and yet, they are so wonderful, I never want to leave. I kept thinking, where is their future? what will/can they become? I don't mean this to sound pessimistic. This is reality. Their reality. I felt so helpless. Knowing that many of these children's parents have died from AIDS and that they may have it as well.
I also went to a deaf school to meet some other volunteers. We sat in a computer lab, but I soon got bored so I waandered out by myself. 2 children were waiting just outside the doors. They started signing to me and I had no idea what they were saying. I remembered enough sign language, however, to tell them that my name was Niv and that I was from Canada. We met with the director and he told us that htey had 45 teachers and over 480 students, with 100 kids on the waiting list...and this was one of the better equipped schools.
These 2 days have made me realize how lucky we are to have what we have in the West. Even the poorest person in Toronto is luckier that most of the adults and children I've met in the past two days, for we in the West have opportunity. We are so lucky.
Monday, October 29, 2007
long overdue post!!
I'm sorry for not writing earlier, the internet is somewhat hard to come by around here!
It's taken me a long while to process everything that's been going on around me/happening to me. I've been in Accra for a while now. While Accra is considered Westernized by African standards, life here is so different. At first, I was finding it extremely difficult to cope with language barriers. We obruni's would walk down the street and locals would be "yelling" or talking to us in Twi. As a torontonian, my instinct was to assume they were lewed or mean comments and therefore, ignore poeple. Popo, our local guide alerted us to the fact that they were saying hello and asking us how we were. We were being extremely rude by ignoring them.
One day at the beach, we were feeling harrassed by the local vendors. This continued onto the streets of Osu (a district of accra). Why were these vendors so pushy?? Simply because we were tourists. I was not happy,and VERY uncomfortable. The next day, the thought of going into Osu required a lot of strenth and tolerance. A vendor approached me and said "I remember you, how are you?" He didn't try to push his merchandise on me, he simply wanted to talk and share stories.
With a population of 1.2 million, accra is a bustling city. I was shocked that this man would remember my name and face. Now I'm not naive enough to ignore the fact that I'm a minority and therefore stand out like a hooker in a church, but I have problems remembering the names and faces of people I am in direct contact with, let alone complete strangers. To me, his ability to connect showed a greater emphasis on people and community (in the greater scheme of things).
Why in Toronto are we so keen to ignore eachother and go about our days as if no one else exists? I'm not saying that one culture is better than the other, we all have reasons for the way we act. I just find it extremely curious that Accra and Toronto have comparable populations, and yet, we are so different.
WILL POST PICTURES SOON!!
It's taken me a long while to process everything that's been going on around me/happening to me. I've been in Accra for a while now. While Accra is considered Westernized by African standards, life here is so different. At first, I was finding it extremely difficult to cope with language barriers. We obruni's would walk down the street and locals would be "yelling" or talking to us in Twi. As a torontonian, my instinct was to assume they were lewed or mean comments and therefore, ignore poeple. Popo, our local guide alerted us to the fact that they were saying hello and asking us how we were. We were being extremely rude by ignoring them.
One day at the beach, we were feeling harrassed by the local vendors. This continued onto the streets of Osu (a district of accra). Why were these vendors so pushy?? Simply because we were tourists. I was not happy,and VERY uncomfortable. The next day, the thought of going into Osu required a lot of strenth and tolerance. A vendor approached me and said "I remember you, how are you?" He didn't try to push his merchandise on me, he simply wanted to talk and share stories.
With a population of 1.2 million, accra is a bustling city. I was shocked that this man would remember my name and face. Now I'm not naive enough to ignore the fact that I'm a minority and therefore stand out like a hooker in a church, but I have problems remembering the names and faces of people I am in direct contact with, let alone complete strangers. To me, his ability to connect showed a greater emphasis on people and community (in the greater scheme of things).
Why in Toronto are we so keen to ignore eachother and go about our days as if no one else exists? I'm not saying that one culture is better than the other, we all have reasons for the way we act. I just find it extremely curious that Accra and Toronto have comparable populations, and yet, we are so different.
WILL POST PICTURES SOON!!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Akwaaba (Welcome) to Ghana!
I've been in Ghana almost five days now, and I must tell you how fantastic it is. We'll start with the simple stuff:
The weather is fantastic: not too hot, not too cold. It rains nearly every day, but for 5 minutes and then it stops!
I am doing orientation for the first week in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Next week I will go to Kumasi where I will do my placement. My homestay in Kumasi consists of a mother, father, and 5 year old child. I am very excited to meet them!
Orientation is going well. Basically, this week is used to accustomize ourselves to a different culture. This process is harder than I expected it to be, but a task I am very keen on taking on. I live with 16 other people in an 8 bedroom 4 bath estate (in Accra). Five other people are in the volunteer abroad program, the rest are journalists from England and North America. It is very nice to have this little "reminder" of home amongst a strange and new country.
The people here are so friendly. As we walk down the street, we hear vendors and random people yelling "ETE SEN, OBURONI!?" which means "HOW ARE YOU, WHITEY!?" They mean this in the most loving way, and of course, my answer is "BOKOO, OBIBINI" --> "COOL, BLACK MAN!"
Then everyone laughs.
Well, that's it for now. I haven't quite had the chance to really gather my thoughts as our days are extremely busy. Once I have a chance to sit and take everything in, I will make a more substantial post.
Love,
The weather is fantastic: not too hot, not too cold. It rains nearly every day, but for 5 minutes and then it stops!
I am doing orientation for the first week in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Next week I will go to Kumasi where I will do my placement. My homestay in Kumasi consists of a mother, father, and 5 year old child. I am very excited to meet them!
Orientation is going well. Basically, this week is used to accustomize ourselves to a different culture. This process is harder than I expected it to be, but a task I am very keen on taking on. I live with 16 other people in an 8 bedroom 4 bath estate (in Accra). Five other people are in the volunteer abroad program, the rest are journalists from England and North America. It is very nice to have this little "reminder" of home amongst a strange and new country.
The people here are so friendly. As we walk down the street, we hear vendors and random people yelling "ETE SEN, OBURONI!?" which means "HOW ARE YOU, WHITEY!?" They mean this in the most loving way, and of course, my answer is "BOKOO, OBIBINI" --> "COOL, BLACK MAN!"
Then everyone laughs.
Well, that's it for now. I haven't quite had the chance to really gather my thoughts as our days are extremely busy. Once I have a chance to sit and take everything in, I will make a more substantial post.
Love,
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Getting Ready for Africa
Hello all,
Well, I never thought I would be a blogger. I'm old-school and just love writing my thoughts down with a pen and paper. But, this trip is a big deal in my life and I'm going to miss everyone horribly, so I figured this might be a good way to take you all with me!
I'll try to post here every now and then about what's going on in Africa. Since I haven't left yet, I can only tell you about the planning stage.
This trip has been a long time in the making. I first thought about it last summer, but the ball really started rolling when my friends and I went to a travel agent in February 2007. Originally, I was just supposed to go volunteer in Ghana for two months and come back. Well, it's 6 months later and I am now going on a 7 month long back-packing/volunteering expedition. I guess this is pretty typical of me: Go big or go home!
I see people starting careers, or going to graduate school, etc... and I feel like such a loser! I am actually fleeing the country! I am dropping everything and escaping reality. At the same time, I know I wouldn't be happy if I didn't do it. I have been asked before why I chose to do this, and there are two main reasons:
1) We've been in school for the last 17 years and I need a change!
2) We always hear about Africa from a Western standpoint, but I would like to see and live their lives for myself. Also, it would be interesting to see what their view of US is!
People think you are doing so much good by volunteering, but really, that's a mere drop in an ocean of problems. I think that the effect these people have on me will be a million times greater than the effect I have on them.
I look forward to writing more and hearing your responses. PLEASE! Let me know how you are doing.
With much love,
Well, I never thought I would be a blogger. I'm old-school and just love writing my thoughts down with a pen and paper. But, this trip is a big deal in my life and I'm going to miss everyone horribly, so I figured this might be a good way to take you all with me!
I'll try to post here every now and then about what's going on in Africa. Since I haven't left yet, I can only tell you about the planning stage.
This trip has been a long time in the making. I first thought about it last summer, but the ball really started rolling when my friends and I went to a travel agent in February 2007. Originally, I was just supposed to go volunteer in Ghana for two months and come back. Well, it's 6 months later and I am now going on a 7 month long back-packing/volunteering expedition. I guess this is pretty typical of me: Go big or go home!
I see people starting careers, or going to graduate school, etc... and I feel like such a loser! I am actually fleeing the country! I am dropping everything and escaping reality. At the same time, I know I wouldn't be happy if I didn't do it. I have been asked before why I chose to do this, and there are two main reasons:
1) We've been in school for the last 17 years and I need a change!
2) We always hear about Africa from a Western standpoint, but I would like to see and live their lives for myself. Also, it would be interesting to see what their view of US is!
People think you are doing so much good by volunteering, but really, that's a mere drop in an ocean of problems. I think that the effect these people have on me will be a million times greater than the effect I have on them.
I look forward to writing more and hearing your responses. PLEASE! Let me know how you are doing.
With much love,
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